How To Deal With Subaru Interior Trim Issues
Are you feeling vibrations in some parts or hearing noises from the door panel, the dashboard area, or anywhere else in your Subaru interior? If so, you’re not alone. It can be absolutely frustrating to deal with annoying interior trim problems on your Subaru. Subaru has an interior trim problem that is quite difficult for many of its owners to sort out, and this gradually turns a potentially pleasant ride into a frustrating one. The good news is that even though Subaru distinguishes itself by reliability and safety, there are easy ways to address those interior trim issues. Keep reading to find out easy steps for diagnosing and correcting annoying Subaru interior trim problems.
Common Subaru Interior Trims That Need Fixing
The interior of your Subaru is comprised of plastic, fabric, leather, and sometimes wood or metal, depending on the model. All these materials must be treated right and can look different when they start to wear out. Here are some of the most common interior trim issues Subaru owners face:
- Peeling or Fading Trim Panels: One of the biggest complaints voiced by Subaru owners is the peeling or fading of trims. As time goes by, the appearance of these trims becomes gloomy due to fading of colors or peeling of the outer layer on account of exposure to sunlight. This is frequently seen in plastic components such as those near the dashboard or door trim.
- Scratches and Scuffs on Plastic Trim: Plastic trims are used on doors, panels, center console, and other parts of a Subaru interior and are usually susceptible to scratches and scuff marks. This is often an issue if you regularly carry items from one place to another or if you own pets that travel in the car.
- Loose or Detached Trim Pieces: Some trim pieces may become loose over time. These could be the door panel inserts; the dashboard panels; or even the trim that goes around the gear-shifting lever. Loose trim, on the one hand, looks unattractive; on the other hand, it may shake during driving, which is quite irritating.
- Wear on Leather and Fabric: If your Subaru comes with leather or fabric seats, then you may notice that they are fading, cracking, or developing small tears. The same applies to fabric inserts in doors or armrests. Leather is more durable than fabric but it has to be protected from the factors that can make signs of aging obvious.
How To Address Interior Trim Problems
- Repair Scratches: For light scratches on the plastic use a plastic trim restorer or mild abrasive cleaner you can find in any store. But if the scratches are deeper you might be required to sand the area using fine-grain sandpaper and wash it off then apply the plastic polish.
- Fix Peeling or Faded Trim Pieces: If you have trim that is peeling or showing signs of fading, then a vinyl wrap can work for it. Another choice is trim paint, which is designed to repaint the faded parts of the plastic components. If the peeling is quite bad, it may be best to replace the trim pieces.
- Stopping Rattling or Squeaking Panels: First of all, you should try to turn any screws or clips with which the panel is fastened. These screws can sometimes come off loose after some time of use. For persistent vibrations, use foam tape or felt strips that interconnect the panel and frame.
All the above steps may sound simple but it is always advisable to contact your mechanic so you do not cause more damage or break other parts while trying to fix a faulty one.
Where to Take Your Subaru For Professional Interior Trim Repairs
Most interior trim problems can be repaired by an amateur, but some of them need professional intervention. For instance, if you have to work with broken electronic components, complicated upholstery damage, or when you are struggling to replace a few large panels, then it is safer to go to a repair shop. Subaru interior repairs are not a problem for us at Automotive Perfection as we have workers skilled in this area.
Whether it is the paintwork, the trim that has faded, a part that has been damaged, or a more complicated problem, we deliver excellent service to cater to your Subaru’s needs. Our experts know that the inside of your Subaru is just as important as the outside and what is under the bonnet, so it’ll receive the same attention to detail from our technicians. We are located in Jackson, MI and our service covers drivers from Chelsea, Albion, Battle Creek, Grass Lake, Brooklyn, Spring Arbor, and Mason, MI. Call us now to retain the luxurious feel of your Subaru interior.
* Man Driving Subaru Car image credit goes to: Mariia Demchenko.